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Permits and Approvals
A permit is required for projects such as new construction, additions, remodeling or repairs to electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. For your convenience, this page contains a list of the most commonly used permits. Please visit the Forms and Publications page to obtain a complete listing of all building forms, information bulletins and other helpful resources. DSD information bulletins and forms are in the process of being updated as needed to reflect instructions for digital submittal processes.
- All new permit applications must now be submitted electronically in Open DSD.
- All construction changes to projects that were issued prior to May 4, 2020, must be submitted electronically.
- Only resubmittals for permit applications submitted in paper form prior to July 1, 2020, will continue to be processed in paper form.
This permit ensures that construction projects comply with local, state and federal standards for land use, zoning and construction, and verify compliance with the minimum standards that help safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare. Applications for an address/address change, Deferred Submittals and Demolition Permits should also be submitted in this location. Eligibility for Rapid Review will be determined by staff based on project scope.
Does your project include any of the following?
An application/permit is required for each item below.
- Addition/remodel to a single-story dwelling unit (home, condo, townhome, etc.) or a duplex. Learn more about Addition/remodel to a single-story dwelling unit (home, condo, townhome, etc.) or a duplex;
- Carports, garages, patio covers, City-standard retaining wall, spa, swimming pool;
- Detached/attached Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU/JADU), guest quarters;
- Interior tenant improvement not associated with any structural work in buildings classified by the California Building Code as Business, Mercantile, Factories and/or Storage occupancy classes, not exceeding 10,000 sq. ft. total or not greater than two floors;
- Request for address/address change;
- Demolition of a structure; or
- Deferred Submittals.
Construction Change to Building Permit
Apply to submit changes to approved Building, Combination, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical permits. For projects that were issued originally in a paper version, a scanned set of the approved drawings will be required to be uploaded for the reviewers.
This permit is required when a project may have impacts on the surrounding area due to a proposed use, design feature or project location. Substantial Conformance Review and Amendment requests for existing discretionary permits, all Preliminary Review requests, and development and policy approval requests described in Information Bulletin 503 should be submitted in this location.
This permit is required for the installation, alteration, addition or replacement of electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment, and to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare.
Are you applying for a simple no-plan Electrical Permit for a minor installation? This includes:
- Meter reset/re-connections
- Adding circuits
- Miscellaneous wirings, such as relocation of electrical outlets, or re-wiring
- Temporary power poles for construction sites
- Electric vehicle charging stations for a private garages
To learn more about Simple Permits, see Information Bulletin 103.
This permit is required for the installation of fire suppression systems, fire alarm system, or component of such systems, and to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety and welfare.
This permit is required when a project will change the topography of a property when conducting certain excavations or filling-in of an area. Construction changes to an existing Grading Permit, Site Reconnaissance and Testing applications, and As-Graded Soils Reports should also be submitted in this location.
This approval is required by State law and City Ordinance that the City Land Surveyor review and approve survey documents related to development projects to determine its conformity to law (such as zoning), its satisfaction of a development condition of approval, and its technical adequacy.
This permit is required for the installation, alteration, replacement or repair of addition or replacement of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration system, and to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard life or limb, public health, property and welfare.
Are you applying for a simple no-plan Mechanical Permit for a minor installation? This includes:
- Installations of a forced air units (FAU) or air conditioner units (A/C)
- Installations of exhaust fans
- Replacement of furnaces
To learn more about Simple Permits, see Information Bulletin 103.
This permit is required for the alteration, addition or replacement of a plumbing system or portion of a plumbing system within or on any structure or premises and to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.
Are you applying for a simple no-plan Plumbing Permit for a minor installation? This includes:
- Water heater replacements, except tankless types
- Water or sewer piping repairs
- Gas line repairs
- Repair or replacement of drains
- Water softener installations
- Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) for domestic service
To learn more about Simple Permits, see Information Bulletin 103.
Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
This permit is required to install a solar photovoltaics system on a rooftop of a residential building.
This permit is required for any new construction or aboveground or underground improvements in the public right-of-way, including utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electric lines. The public right-of-way is located outside the boundaries of the private property lines. This permit is also required for encroachments into any public or private utility easement.
Is the requested Right of Way Permit for one of the following improvements?
- Existing curb or curb & gutter repair/replace
- Existing Sidewalk repair/replace
- Existing Driveway remove/replace
- Minor Encroachments for single family residences such as sidewalk underdrain, fences and walls less than 3 feet in height
- Sewer lateral/Water service/Gas and Electric services
- Test Boring
- Sidewalk Café – Tables and Chairs ONLY
This permit is required for the installation or alteration of signs.
Temporary Outdoor Business Operation Permit
This permit allows for the temporary use of a street, sidewalk, or parking lane for business. Most operations conducted within private properties - including privately-owned parking lots - are NOT required to obtain this permit.
This permit is required for all public improvement projects, construction projects or other work encroaching into the public right-of-way, including the sidewalks, parking spaces, medians, alleys and streets.
Is your project related to one of the following permits?
- News Rack Permit
- Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
- Simple Permit -MEP Permit (No-plan Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing permits)
- Traffic Control Permit
- Transportation Permit